Michael Kelly
A woman participating in a rosary rally carries a sign near a statue of Mary on New Year's Day outside the cathedral in Galway. Photo: CNS 
The Catholic bishops have hit out at Taoiseach Micheál Martin for not responding to a request to permit Mass for Easter almost three weeks after a meeting to discuss the vital issue.
In their strongest intervention yet on public worship, the Church leaders insisted on Tuesday that ongoing restrictions banning people attending Mass would be “unjust” as restrictions on other aspects of society would be eased. They say the “ongoing severe restrictions on attendance at Funeral Masses (currently limited to ten) are causing untold grief to many families”.
Ireland and Slovenia are the only countries in the European Union (EU) where public worship is banned.
The bishops express disappointment with the Government that almost three weeks after a meeting to discuss restrictions, “none of the issues raised have been responded to”.
“We strongly believe that people’s freedom to worship publicly should be restored as soon as the current Level 5 restrictions begin to be eased,” the hierarchy said in a statement.
“It is particularly painful for Christians to be deprived, for the second year running, of the public expression of our faith during the most sacred time of Holy Week and Easter.
“This is especially true given that it has been clearly demonstrated that church buildings are among the safest places for people to gather,” the statement added.
Referring to the February 19 meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at which the hope to have Mass for Holy Week was expressed, the bishops say: “Despite assurances from the Taoiseach last month that the concerns expressed by the archbishops would be given serious consideration, we note with disappointment that none of the issues raised has been responded to.
“We therefore make an urgent appeal that the following matters be addressed:
- That the easing of restrictions from Level Five should include the restoration of public worship, albeit in a safe and limited way. For people of faith not to be free to worship until regulations return to Level Two, whilst many other restrictions are eased, is seen as particularly distressing and unjust;
- That the number of mourners permitted at funeral services be increased, with immediate effect, noting that in Northern Ireland this number has not been reduced below 25. The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss.
The bishops insist: “We strongly believe that allowing these measures would contribute greatly to giving a sense of hope and consolation to many in our Church – in line with the central message of Easter.
“These measures would be a substantial support to the wellbeing of individuals and parish communities, and ultimately serve the Common Good of all,” the Churchmen said.
The bishops encouraged all Catholics “to make their views on these issues known to their own TDs and local representatives.
“We wish to remain responsive to public health messaging. For this reason we are recommending the postponement of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being,” the bishops say.
